| The Hunger Games | |
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_logo.svg){kind=logo} Official franchise logo | |
| Created by | Suzanne Collins |
| Original work | The Hunger Games (2008) |
| Owners |
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| Years | 2008–present |
| Print publications | |
| Novel(s) | The Hunger Games series |
| Films and television | |
| Film(s) |
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| Theatrical presentations | |
| Play(s) | The Hunger Games: On Stage (2025) |
| Audio | |
| Soundtrack(s) |
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| Miscellaneous | |
| Theme park attraction(s) | The World of the Hunger Games |
The Hunger Games is an Americanmedia franchise centering on a series ofscience fictiondystopianadventure films, based on thenovel series bySuzanne Collins. The series features anensemble cast includingJennifer Lawrence,Josh Hutcherson,Liam Hemsworth,Woody Harrelson,Elizabeth Banks,Stanley Tucci, andDonald Sutherland.
The first three films set variousbox office records.The Hunger Games (2012) set records for biggest opening day and biggest opening weekend for a non-sequel.Catching Fire (2013) set the record for biggest opening weekend of November.Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014) had the largest opening day and weekend of 2014. The films, includingMockingjay – Part 2 (2015), were praised for their themes and Lawrence's performance. The first prequel filmThe Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), received mixed reviews and had the lowest opening weekend of the series. The series is the21st-highest-grossing film franchise of all time, having grossed $3.3 billion worldwide.
Following the release ofSuzanne Collins's novelThe Hunger Games, on September 14, 2008,Hollywood film studios began looking to adapt the book into film. In March 2009,Color Force, an independent studio founded by producerNina Jacobson, bought the film rights to the book.[1]: 12 She then sought out production companyLionsgate to help her produce the film.[2] Collins was also attached to adapt the novel; she began the first draft after completing the third novel in the series,Mockingjay (2010). The search for a director began in 2010 with three directors in the running;David Slade,Sam Mendes, andGary Ross.[3] Ross was ultimately chosen to direct.[4] By the time Collins had finished the script, Ross decided to go through the script with Collins and screenwriterBilly Ray.
In October 2010, scripts were sent to the actors, and casting occurred between March and May 2011. The first role cast was of the protagonist,Katniss Everdeen. As many as thirty actresses were in talks to play the part, withJennifer Lawrence,Hailee Steinfeld,Abigail Breslin, andChloë Grace Moretz being mentioned most.[5] The role was given to Lawrence.[6]
Casting for the roles ofPeeta Mellark, Katniss' fellow tribute, andGale Hawthorne, her best friend, began later that month. Top contenders for Peeta includedJosh Hutcherson,Alexander Ludwig (later cast as Cato),Hunter Parrish,Evan Peters, andLucas Till.[7] Contenders for Gale includedRobbie Amell,Liam Hemsworth,David Henrie, andDrew Roy.[7] On April 4, it was reported that Hemsworth had been cast as Gale, and Hutcherson had been cast as Peeta.[8]
In May 2022,Tom Blyth was cast as the youngPresident Snow,[9] withRachel Zegler as his protégée, tribute Lucy Gray Baird.[10] Zegler was originally offered the role in January, but initially turned it down before later changing her mind.[11] In June 2022,Josh Andrés Rivera (who previously starred in 2021'sWest Side Story alongside Zegler),Hunter Schafer andJason Schwartzman were cast.[12][13][14]Peter Dinklage was cast in the following month.[15] Throughout June and July 2022, the cast was rounded out with actors portraying the film's multiple tributes and mentors.[16][17][18][19] On August 15, 2022, it was reported thatViola Davis was cast as Volumnia Gaul, the head gamemaker of the 10th annual Hunger Games.[20] On September 16, 2022, more cast members were revealed, includingBurn Gorman andFionnula Flanagan as Commander Hoff and Grandma'am.[21]
| Film | U.S. release date | Director | Screenplay by | Adaptation by | Producers | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Hunger Games | March 23, 2012 (2012-03-23) | Gary Ross | Gary Ross,Billy Ray &Suzanne Collins | Jon Kilik &Nina Jacobson | Released | |
| The Hunger Games: Catching Fire | November 22, 2013 (2013-11-22) | Francis Lawrence | Simon Beaufoy &Michael deBruyn | |||
| The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 | November 21, 2014 (2014-11-21) | Peter Craig &Danny Strong | Suzanne Collins | |||
| The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 | November 20, 2015 (2015-11-20) | |||||
| The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes | November 17, 2023 (2023-11-17) | Michael deBruyn &Michael Lesslie | Brad Simpson, Nina Jacobson & Francis Lawrence | |||
| The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping | November 20, 2026 (2026-11-20) | Billy Ray | Post-Production | |||
Every year, in the ruins of what was once North America, the Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of the 12 districts to send a boy and girl tribute between the ages of 12 and 18 to compete in the Hunger Games: a nationally televised event in which the 'tributes' fight each other to the death until one survivor remains. When Primrose Everdeen is "reaped", her older sister Katniss volunteers in her place as tribute to enter the games and is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts and knowledge when she's pitted against highly trained and fierce "tributes" from all of the other districts.
Along with fellow District 12 victor Peeta Mellark, Katniss Everdeen returns home safely after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games. Winning means that they must leave their loved ones behind and embark on a Victory Tour throughout the districts for a couple of days. Along the way Katniss senses a rebellion simmering upon the Capitol - one that she and Peeta may have sparked - but the Capitol is still under control as President Snow prepares for the 75th Hunger Games - the Third Quarter Quell in which past victors will be reaped - that could change Panem forever.
Following her rescue from the devastating Quarter Quell, Katniss Everdeen awakes in the complex beneath the supposedly destroyed District 13. Her home, District 12, has been reduced to rubble by the Capitol. Peeta Mellark was kidnapped by the Capitol and is now brainwashed and being held captive by President Snow. Snow wants Peeta to forget everything he had loved about Katniss. At the same time, Katniss also learns about a secret rebellion spreading throughout Panem - a rebellion that places her at the center of attention, and compels her to turn the tables on President Snow.
Realizing the stakes are no longer just for survival, Katniss Everdeen teams up with her closest friends, Peeta Mellark, Gale Hawthorne, and Finnick Odair, on the ultimate mission for peace. Together, they leave District 13, to liberate citizens from a war that tears Panem apart more than ever. President Snow becomes obsessed with destroying Katniss and everyone and everything she loves. Ahead lie mortal traps, dangerous enemies, and moral choices that will determine the future of millions.
A young Coriolanus is the last hope for his failing lineage, since the once-proud Snow family has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With his livelihood threatened, Snow is reluctantly assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from the impoverished District 12. After Lucy Gray's charm captivates the audience of Panem, however, Snow sees an opportunity to shift their fates. With everything he has worked for hanging in the balance, Snow unites with Lucy Gray to turn the odds in their favor. Battling his instincts for both good and evil, Snow sets out on a race against time to survive and reveal if he will ultimately sing a songbird or a monster.
In June 2024, afteranother prequel novel was announced, Lionsgate officially confirmed plans for a film adaptation. Francis Lawrence entered early negotiations to direct the movie. The plot will take place forty years afterThe Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and twenty-four years before the events ofThe Hunger Games, and will depict Panem and its 2nd Quarter Quell. The film is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026.[22][23]
This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in more than two films in the series.
| Film | Crew/Detail | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composer(s) | Cinematographer | Editor(s) | Production companies | Distributing company | Running time | ||
| The Hunger Games | James Newton Howard | Tom Stern | Stephen Mirrione &Juliette Welfling | Lionsgate &Color Force | Lionsgate | 142 minutes | |
| Catching Fire | Jo Willems | Alan Edward Bell | 146 minutes | ||||
| Mockingjay – Part 1 | Mark Yoshikawa & Alan Edward Bell | 123 minutes | |||||
| Mockingjay – Part 2 | 137 minutes | ||||||
| The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes | Mark Yoshikawa | 157 minutes | |||||
| Sunrise on the Reaping | Matthew Schimdt | ||||||
Filming for the franchise began on May 23, 2011, and finished on June 20, 2014.[1]: 138
Suzanne Collins and Louise Rosner acted as executive producers on the first two films. Other executive producers of the first film include Robin Bissell and Shantal Feghali. Co-producers are Diana Alvarez, Martin Cohen, Louis Phillips, Bryan Unkeless, and Aldric La'auli Porter.[24][unreliable source?] Color Force and Lionsgate collaborated on all four films. It was announced on November 1, 2012, that the studio had decided to split the final book,Mockingjay (2010),into two films:The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014) andThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015), much likeHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) and2 (2011), andThe Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011) and2 (2012).[25]
Gary Ross directed the first film (The Hunger Games), and despite initially stating otherwise on April 10, 2012, Lionsgate announced that Ross would not return to direct the sequel.[26] On April 19, 2012, it was confirmed thatFrancis Lawrence would direct the sequel instead, and on November 1, 2012, it was confirmed that Lawrence would return and direct the final two films in the series, based on the novelMockingjay.[27][28] In April 2020, Collins and Lionsgate confirmed that plans were underway for the prequel film's development.Francis Lawrence was later confirmed to direct, after doing so for the prior three films in the series sinceThe Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
Suzanne Collins began adapting the first book to film after she finished writingMockingjay. Collins had experience in writing screenplays after writingClifford's Puppy Days and other children's television shows. When Gary Ross was announced as director for the film in 2010, he began to work with Collins and veteran writerBilly Ray to bring the novel to life. After Francis Lawrence took over as director, he brought inSimon Beaufoy andMichael Arndt to write the script forCatching Fire.[29] The final two films of the series were written byDanny Strong andPeter Craig.[30] The prequel films of the series were written byMichael Arndt andMichael Lesslie.
Once the three leads were cast, casting shifted to the other tributes.Jack Quaid was cast asMarvel,Leven Rambin asGlimmer,Amandla Stenberg asRue, andDayo Okeniyi asThresh.[31]Alexander Ludwig (who auditioned for Peeta) was cast asCato,Isabelle Fuhrman (who auditioned for Katniss) asClove,[32] andJacqueline Emerson asFoxface.[33] Following the casting of tributes, the adult cast began to come together.Elizabeth Banks was cast asEffie Trinket, the District 12 escort.[34]Woody Harrelson was cast asHaymitch Abernathy, District 12's mentor.[35]Lenny Kravitz was cast asCinna, Katniss' stylist.[36]Wes Bentley was cast as gamemaker Seneca Crane.[37]Stanley Tucci was cast asCaesar Flickerman,Panem's celebrity host.[38]Donald Sutherland was cast asCoriolanus Snow, Panem's president.[39]Willow Shields was cast asPrimrose Everdeen, Katniss' younger sister.[40]
In July 2012, the cast for the second film was announced.Jena Malone would playJohanna Mason.[41]Philip Seymour Hoffman would playPlutarch Heavensbee,[42]Sam Claflin would playFinnick Odair.[43] It was later announced thatJeffrey Wright was cast asBeetee,Alan Ritchson asGloss,Lynn Cohen asMags, andAmanda Plummer asWiress.
In August and September 2013, it was revealed thatStef Dawson would playAnnie Cresta,[44]Natalie Dormer would playCressida,[45]Evan Ross would playMessalla, andJulianne Moore would playPresident Alma Coin[46] in the final two films.
In May 2022, it was announced thatTom Blyth was cast as the younger version of Coriolanus Snow in the prequel film.[47] Later the same month,Rachel Zegler was cast in the role of Lucy Gray Baird.[48] The following month,Josh Andrés Rivera,Hunter Schafer andJason Schwartzman were cast in the roles of Sejanus Plinth, Tigris Snow and Lucretius "Lucky" Flickerman respectively.[49][50]
Principal photography forThe Hunger Games began on May 24, 2011, and concluded on September 15, 2011. Charlotte, NC was used for the Capitol scenes. An abandoned village in Hickory, NC was the filming location for District 12. The arena scenes were filmed on the outskirts of Wilmington, NC.[51]Principal photography forThe Hunger Games: Catching Fire began on September 10, 2012, inAtlanta,Georgia[52] and concluded in April 2013. In November 2012, production moved toHawaii to film the arena scenes. Filming took a Christmas break before filming resumed for two weeks in mid-January. In March 2013, the film went back to Hawaii for re-shoots.[53] Atlanta was used for all Capitol scenes. Hawaii for the arena scenes, andOakland, New Jersey, for District 12 scenes.
Principal photography forThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay began on September 23, 2013[54] and concluded on June 20, 2014. Majority of filming for the Mockingjay films was filmed in soundstages in a studio in Atlanta, until April 18, 2014. Production then moved toParis, with filming beginning there on May 5, 2014.
Philip Seymour Hoffman, who portrays Plutarch Heavensbee, died on February 2, 2014. At the time of his death, he had completed filming his scenes forThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 and had a week left of shooting forPart 2. Lionsgate released a statement stating that, since the majority of Hoffman's scenes were completed, the release date forPart 2 would not be affected.[55][56]
Principal photography forThe Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes began inWrocław, Poland on July 11, 2022, and ended inBerlin, Germany on November 5, 2022.[57][58] Filming locations included theMonument to the Battle of the Nations inLeipzig[59] and theCentennial Hall in Wrocław.[60] Some scenes in the film were also shot in the "Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord" inDuisburg in North Rhine-Westphalia.[61]
| Film | Release date | Box office gross | Box office ranking | Budget | References | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | Other territories | Worldwide | All time North America | All time worldwide | ||||
| The Hunger Games | March 23, 2012 (2012-03-23) | $408,010,692 | $287,209,927 | $695,220,619 | 42 | 148 | $78 million | [62] |
| The Hunger Games: Catching Fire | November 22, 2013 (2013-11-22) | $424,668,047 | $440,343,699 | $865,011,746 | 32 | 83 | $130 million | [63] |
| The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 | November 21, 2014 (2014-11-21) | $337,135,885 | $418,221,218 | $755,357,103 | 72 | 114 | $125 million | [64] |
| The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 | November 20, 2015 (2015-11-20) | $281,723,902 | $379,732,661 | $661,456,563 | 118 | 163 | $160 million | [65] |
| The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes | November 17, 2023 (2023-11-17) | $166,350,594 | $182,549,425 | $348,900,019 | 352[66] | 494[67] | $100 million | [68] |
| Total | $1,617,889,120 | $1,708,056,930 | $3,325,946,050 | $593 million | [69] | |||
All theHunger Games films finished first at the North American box office during both their opening and second weekend.[70][71][72] In North America,The Hunger Games film series is the second highest-grossing film series based onyoung adult books, after theHarry Potter series, earning over $1.4 billion.[73] Worldwide, it is the third highest-grossing film series based on young-adult books after the film series ofHarry Potter andThe Twilight Saga, respectively, having grossed over $3 billion.[74] In North America, it is the eighth highest-grossing film franchise of all time.[75] As of January 2024, it is the 20thhighest-grossing film franchise of all time worldwide.[76][77]
| Film | Rotten Tomatoes | Metacritic | CinemaScore |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Hunger Games | 84% (319 reviews)[78] | 68 (49 reviews)[79] | A[80] |
| The Hunger Games: Catching Fire | 90% (297 reviews)[81] | 76 (49 reviews)[82] | A[80] |
| The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 | 70% (308 reviews)[83] | 64 (46 reviews)[84] | A−[80] |
| The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 | 70% (294 reviews)[85] | 65 (45 reviews)[86] | A−[87] |
| The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes | 64% (232 reviews)[88] | 54 (52 reviews)[89] | B+[90] |
The first four installment of theHunger Games series received positive reviews from critics (the first two installments (notably the second) were critically acclaimed, while the next two films were met with generally positive responses from critics), while the fifth installment received mixed reviews. The five films inThe Hunger Games franchise received ratings of over 60 percent on the review aggregation websiteRotten Tomatoes (the first two films received a rating of over 75 percent).[91]
| Title | U.S. release date | Length | Artist(s) | Label | Film |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Safe & Sound" | December 26, 2011 (2011-12-26) | 3:37 | Taylor Swift featuringthe Civil Wars | Big Machine | The Hunger Games |
| "One Engine" | February 13, 2012 (2012-02-13) | 3:01 | The Decemberists | Universal Republic | |
| "Eyes Open" | March 27, 2012 (2012-03-27) | 4:04 | Taylor Swift | Big Machine | |
| "Atlas" | September 6, 2013 (2013-09-06) | 3:56 | Coldplay | Parlophone | Catching Fire |
| "Elastic Heart" | October 1, 2013 (2013-10-01) | 4:18 | Sia featuringthe Weeknd andDiplo | RCA Republic Lionsgate | |
| "We Remain" | 4:00 | Christina Aguilera | |||
| "Yellow Flicker Beat" | September 29, 2014 (2014-09-29) | 3:52 | Lorde | Republic | Mockingjay – Part 1 |
| "All My Love" | November 13, 2014 (2014-11-13) | 3:32 | Major Lazer featuring Ariana Grande | ||
| "The Hanging Tree" | December 9, 2014 (2014-12-09) | 3:38 | James Newton Howard featuring Jennifer Lawrence | ||
| "Deep in the Meadow (Baauer Remix)" | November 23, 2015 (2015-11-23) | 3:11 | Baauer featuring Jennifer Lawrence | Mockingjay – Part 2 | |
| "The Hanging Tree (Lucy Gray's Version)" | October 20, 2023 (2023-10-20) | 2:25 | Rachel Zegler | Geffen | The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes |
| "Can't Catch Me Now" | November 3, 2023 (2023-11-03) | 3:25 | Olivia Rodrigo | ||
| "Mercy" | November 7, 2023 (2023-11-07) | 2:21 | James Newton Howard | Sony Masterworks | |
| "The Old Therebefore" | February 9, 2024 (2024-02-09) | 2:27 | Rachel Zegler | Universal Music Group |
A themed area named The World of the Hunger Games was opened atMotiongate Dubai on October 20, 2017.[92]
The Hunger Games: On Stage, a stage production based on the first novel and first film ofThe Hunger Games, premiered in 2025 in theWest End. The play was written byConor McPherson and directed byMatthew Dunster.[93]
Mockingjay grabbed an A- Cinemascore, giving the film extra feathers to fly heading into the Thanksgiving frame (the first two films earned As)
Like MJ1, MJ2 on Friday night earned an A- CinemaScore.
The CinemaScore for Songbirds & Snakes came in at B+, the lowest for the Hunger Games franchise, but not far from both Mockingjay's A-.
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